Plizio Visual Lab
Try grilled local fish at a plantation restaurant or coastal guesthouse.
Enjoy local bananas, papayas, and jackfruit often served fresh at your accommodation.
Don't miss the local coffee, known for its rich flavor, usually available at the main plantation houses.
Buy artisanal chocolate made from locally grown cocoa beans directly from plantation shops.
Look for small wooden carvings or woven items at local artisan stalls.
Spend time at one of the elevated spots facing the ocean; the tranquility and breeze are unmatched.
Walk slowly through the historic plantation grounds to appreciate the quiet blend of history and nature.
Water temperature…
Belo Monte sits on a dramatic headland in northeastern Príncipe and is regarded as one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire Atlantic. From the roça plateau, the view sweeps down onto the famous Banana Beach, a crescent-shaped strand of light sand and deep-blue water whose form recalls a reclining banana. The roça was founded in the 19th century during the cocoa boom and was one of the island's most significant plantations; today the restored manor house is part of the HBD hotel portfolio, offering exclusive ocean-view stays. Belo Monte is also a key conservation site: the surrounding forests and beaches form part of the Príncipe UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and shelter endemic birds such as the Príncipe canary as well as marine turtle nesting sites. Hiking trails lead from the viewpoint through dense rainforest to hidden coves where visitors can snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 141 | 136 | 205 | 202 | 175 | 75 | 40 | 37 | 98 | 226 | 232 | 155 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Praia Burra in Belo Monte is a characteristic patch of coast in São Tomé and Príncipe. Its cozy appearance makes it a wonderful place to listen to the sound of the sea and relax. You often only meet a few other travelers here, which increases the feeling of seclusion. The best thing is simply to bring a good book and some time.
